All sparkles on Disney's doorstep

The site of a tired Californian retreat has had a Cinderella transformation.

The Westin Anaheim Resort is a 618-room, low-rise hotel facing Disneyland Resort's side boundary. It replaces lodgings that were perhaps the Unhappiest Place on Earth. In its final years, the tired Spanish mission-style Anabella Hotel attracted scathing one-star online reviews. The ready-for-the-ball Cinderella that replaced her in 2021 literally sparkles. From the moment you enter the lobby from the sweeping driveway that's fit for a castle, you'll see kids wearing sequinned Minnie Mouse ears. Outside, Bella's Splash Pool Bar is a nod to the unmissed Anabella.

You're likely checking in here because you and your companions have Disneyland in your near future. Although the hotel is right next door, it's still a 20-minute trot around to the 202-hectare theme park's main entrance. At the Westin, a "park view" room means you'll see the red Incredicoaster in action within Disney California Adventure Park that neighbours Disneyland Park (collectively, the two comprise Disneyland Resort).

Designers drew upon Anaheim's citrus history - much of Orange County, as the name suggests, was once lined with orchards - for the hotel's subtle touches. Lush greenery sprouts from the "living wall" behind the check-in desk and public spaces feature gold accents, coffee tables that resemble tree trunks and carpets that suggest dappled sunshine. Outdoor plantings include Valencia orange trees and southern magnolias. The hotel also houses Rise Rooftop Lounge, Anaheim's largest rooftop bar. It's perfectly placed for Disneyland fireworks viewing but it's raining during my visit so the bar's closed (there are also no fireworks, which burst forth only on select nights and are subject to weather conditions).

The colour palette, as expected from a luxury brand such as Westin, is muted (think tan, silver, grey) while bathrooms are almost clinical with vast expanses of white marble. There's also a selfie-friendly, full-length mirror complete with "Hollywood lighting" that helps you look Disney-perfect before stepping out. The one downside during my visit was waking up to no in-room Wi-Fi (one employee blamed the rain), forcing me down to the lobby to complete some work.

The hotel incorporates seven dining options ranging from a grab-and-go market to a steakhouse fine-diner. Out front and roadside is the Mexican eatery Puesto (Spanish for "position") if you're craving a feast of guac, ceviche and tacos, complemented with cocktails and cervezas. Room service includes picnic boxes and an Eat Well Menu (this is California, after all).

You might be focused on Disneyland but the hotel is also handy (think less than $US20 in an Uber) to California's original theme park, Knott's Berry Farm, which includes Western-themed attractions such as a horse-drawn stagecoach and steam-train rides. Sports fans could catch an Anaheim Ducks ice-hockey game at the Honda Center or baseball game at Angel Stadium (the arenas are a 10-minute drive from the hotel).

The hotel's massive ground-floor gym, known as the Westin Workout Fitness Studio, is open 24/7 and includes Peloton bikes, free weights, a Hyperice recovery station and floor-to-ceiling views of the pool. Meanwhile, back in the lobby, a board shows flight departures from both LAX and John Wayne airports.

Where: The Westin Anaheim Resort, 1030 West Katella Avenue, Anaheim, California.

How much: Rooms with breakfast start from $US349 ($534) a night.

Explore more: marriott.com

Katrina Lobley was a guest of the Westin Anaheim Resort and Visit Anaheim.

Read more on Explore: